Astros report: Porter reiterates commitment to Elmore at short

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After making three errors over the final two games of the series against the Angels this weekend, Astros shortstop Jake Elmore went out early to take infield practice with bench
coach Eduardo Perez before getting another start at short Monday night against Tampa Bay.

“Yeah it’s important always to get out there to try to feel as comfortable as you can and work on that throw,” he said. “I’ve been playing a lot of second at Oklahoma City.
“You got to get used to the throw across. But two of the errors weren’t even throws to first. One of them was from the outfield.”

All three of Elmore’s errors against the Angels came on throws.

“As far as the throws are concerned, if I put the throws where they’re supposed to be all those guys are out,” he said. “I think some people speed their games up in the head with a bigger stadium, but you have to clear your head, and here we go,” he said.

Elmore, who played mostly second base at Oklahoma City, was called back up to Class AAA after Marwin Gonzalez was sent down last week.

Despite the rough weekend, Elmore was back in the starting lineup Monday.

“When you make a commitment to give a guy an opportunity, it can’t be a wishy-washy commitment,” manager Bo Porter said. “You have to literally give him an opportunity.

“I think as an organization we’ve stood firmly behind all of our guys in giving them opportunities, so at the end we’re able to take enough information and make a good evaluation on what it is the player has shown us.”

No ill effects for Harrell

One day after he was hit by a comebacker on his left leg, Astros righthander Lucas Harrell went through all his regular work without much discomfort.

“It’s just sore,” he said. “I didn’t bruise it at all. It’s sore from getting hit, but it’s not too bad.

“We iced it (Sunday) night and we iced it this morning. I ran with it and I didn’t have any issues. I should be able to make my next start.”

Crowe to rehab in Kissimmee

Astros right fielder Trevor Crowe, on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained joint in his right shoulder, will head to Kissimmee, Fla., to continue his rehab Thursday.

“My range of motion is getting stronger and I’m getting stronger,” Crowe said. “I got pretty much full range of motion, but I haven’t thrown and I haven’t hit. Hopefully I can start to throw by the end of the week.”

Pena expected to return soon

Designated hitter-first baseman Carlos Pena was expected to return Tuesday after being away from the team the last two games because of a death in his wife’s family.

“I actually told him to take his time because you can plan on being there for a certain number of days, but you can get there and the family can be in a different position or different condition,” manager Bo Porter said. “I said to him, ‘First and foremost, take care of your family. Baseball’s not going anywhere. This is a very trying time for your wife and her family and I think it’s very important for you to be there.’ ”